Bi Weekly Bulletin : May 25 to June 5, 2026

A Message from your Administrators

Dear Langstaff Families and Community Members:

We have made it to the last month of the school year – the month of June is just around the corner. The month of June is always welcomed with open arms and excitement, as we look ahead to the end of the school year, a wonderful graduating class, the summer moving months and moving on to whatever the next chapter is. It is so exciting that we are busy with Prom and Graduation for our Grade 12 students. 

This past week was very busy – it was hard to keep track of everything that was going on at the school. Many of our sports teams have been attending games and tournaments. Our Flag Football team, the Ultimate Frisbee team, the Co-ed Volleyball team, the Badminton team, and the Mountain Biking team have all participated in a number of events over the past few weeks. We know that this will continue until the school year comes to an end. Huge thanks go out to all our coaches for the time and dedication that they give outside of school hours to our students. 

Speaking of thanking our wonderful coaches... This week our Athletic Council held their Athletic Banquet. It was a wonderful event, held in our school's courtyard, that had our student athletes and teacher-coaches celebrate a successful year of extra-curricular sports and award honours and medals to many of those who attended. Go Bears!

We also saw a number of great field trips this week. Our debating team attended a competition at King City SS and many of our science students went to the zoo to study and learn about animals and their environments. Next week, our community class students will be attending the Best Buddies Prom at the Grand Cinnamon Banquet Hall. The students and staff are very excited for this annual event and can't wait to celebrate another successful school year. 

Last week, we hosted the YRDSB "Step Out" Dance Competition. We had close to 300 dancers and families at the school watching wonderful and artistic dancing by both elementary and secondary school students. It was an amazing experience to have this event at our school. 

Finally, I wanted to share that all our Advanced Placement students have finished writing their AP exams. The students will not get their results until July, but we wish them the best of luck. 

June is marked by many school activities taking place at the school. The warmer weather and sunshine sure make our LSS students want to get out and participate in all that the school has to offer. 

Our grade 12 students are looking forward to the Grad Assembly on June 3. At this assembly, the graduating students will learn all about Grad and will receive their Caps & Gowns and tickets to this highly anticipated event. Of course, Prom, which is taking place on June 11, is uppermost on most Grade 12 minds, and the excitement is building. 

We are gearing up for a very busy and exciting last month of school. The exam schedule will be shared with students very soon!

Sincerely, 

Ms. S. Epstein

Principal 

School News

Yearbooks Now on Sale

Yearbooks are available for pre-order on School Cash Online for $35.

Pre-ordering is the only way to guarantee your child receives a yearbook, as only a very limited number will be available for purchase at the end of the school year.

Relay for Life is back at Langstaff!!

Dear Langstaff Families and Community Members, 

We are proud to announce that Relay for Life is back at Langstaff!! This year's event will take place on June 4th from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Langstaff's track and field. Students who sign up will have the opportunity to participate in exciting activities throughout the day, and walk the track in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. 

What is Relay for Life?

Relay for Life is a student-organized fundraising event that raises money to support services and groundbreaking research for the Canadian Cancer Society. This meaningful and moving event allows students to build school spirit while giving back to the community and honouring those affected by cancer. 

Throughout the event, we will celebrate cancer survivors and honour those we have lost to this disease. It is truly a powerful experience that brings our school community together for an important cause. 

Registration & Participation 

We encourage all students to form a Relay for Life team with their friends!

All participants must: 

• Pay the $25 participation fee through School Cash Online
• Register on the LSS Relay for Life page at relayforlife.ca/langstaff
• Complete registration by April 30th 

The participation fee includes registration, a participant t-shirt, and a luminary bag.

Fundraising Expectations 

We are asking all student participants to raise a minimum of $60 per person. 

Most fundraising will be completed online by reaching out to family and friends through the Relay for Life platform. In addition, each participant will receive a donation envelope for any cash contributions they may collect. 

All donation envelopes will be collected just prior to the event. 

Our Progress So Far

Our Langstaff Bears have already raised over $6,400 for the Canadian Cancer Society. We are incredibly grateful to all of our Langstaff families and community members who are helping make this possible. 

Sponsor Recognition

We would also like to recognize and thank our first official sponsor: Baked at Mina's,@baked.at.minas,a business owned by one of our very own Langstaff Bears! 

If you are interested in sponsoring our event and/or making a donation, please reach out to Mrs.Burley (information below).

Looking Ahead

This is going to be a truly special event for LSS. We are excited to see what our school community can accomplish in support of such an important cause, all while building school spirit, making memories, and having fun along the way. 

Thank you for your continued support. We hope your child will join us for this meaningful and unforgettable experience. 

Event Supervision & Contact

Langstaff SS' Relay for Life event will be chaperoned by Mrs.Burley, in cooperation with a number of LSS teachers, educational assistants, and administrators to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students. 

If you have any questions regarding the above, please don't hesitate to contact Mrs.Burley at karen.burley@yrdsb.ca

Please refer to photos sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families. 

Guidance News

Guidance Appointments

How to make a Guidance Appointment: 

1. Students login to TeachAssist.
2. Please plan accordingly to ensure you do not have an in-class assessment.
3. Book with your alpha counsellor.
4. If you need to cancel your appointment for any reason, click "cancel."
5. Appointments are released on a weekly basis.
6. If you don’t see availability for the day selected within the week, it means we are fully booked. We open appointments on a weekly basis; check end of day Friday or the weekend for the following week.
7. If you are in a personal crisis, please come to guidance.

Graduation Requirements

Grade 12 graduating students are reminded to submit their outstanding 40 Hours of Community Involvement requirement. The deadline was May 1. 

Summer School Registration

Summer school registration opened on March 24 and closes on June 5.

There are 3 models available: In Person, Remote (Synchronous) and Online (Asynchronous).

A summary and instructions have been shared on both the LSS Instagram page @lssguidance and the LSS Guidance Google Classroom.

All details are available on the YRDSB website.

Full Credit Courses: Tuesday, June 30 - Friday, July 24

Half Credit Course (Session One): Tuesday, June 30 - Monday, July 13

Half Credit Course (Session Two): Tuesday, July 14 - Friday, July 24

Don't Sweat the Summer : The Top 10 Must-Knows

1. Has Your Course Been Approved In My Pathway Planner? - Log In to My Pathway Planner under Continuing Education and check the status of your course selection.  Submitted - Guidance is Working On It, Accepted - Registered for the Course and Approved by Guidance, Waitlisted - Course if Full, Check Back for Updates. If your course has been accepted but you want to drop or make a change to your course, please speak to your home school guidance counsellor.
2. How Many Courses Can You Take? - Students can only take one accelerated course in July and one in August (online, YRDSB students only).
3. How Will You Know if your Course Gets Cancelled? Students are notified through their GAPPs email account when there is a cancellation. Make sure you are checking your GAPPs account regularly for updates.
4. When Will You Get Your Welcome Letter? Welcome letters will be sent to the student's GAPPs email account by June 29 with additional information for the start of classes.
5. When Will Your Teacher Contact You? Remote Learning Teachers will be sending out Google Classroom Information to students' GAPPs email accounts before the start of classes on June 30th. Students are to join their class through Google Meets on June 30th. Online Learning teachers will be sending out login information to students' GAPPs email accounts on the first day of classes on June 30th to access your course through D2L.
6. How Will You Know Where Your Class is on The First Day of In-Person Summer School? - Teacher's name, course code and classroom locations will be posted in the front/main hallway on the first day of class at each location.
7. Will There be In-Person Exams For Remote or Online Courses? Where? - Teachers will advise if there is an in-person exam in the first few days of class. If there is an in-person exam it will be at the Education Support Centre (39 Dunning Ave, Aurora)
8. What Are The Expectations For Online & Remote Learning? - All Students need to have access to reliable internet, desktop or tablet. Remote students also need a functioning camera, as they are required to have it on during class time. All Students must be present in Ontario for the duration of the course. Online courses require 5-6 flexible hours of work daily. Remote courses will be delivered virtually in real-time through Google Meets (synchronous) from 8:45 a.m. to 3:32 p.m.
9. What if You don't have a laptop? - Speak to your Vice Principal at your home school, who will support you with a loaner Chromebook.
10. How Do You Get Your Grade Uploaded to OCAS/OUAC? - Students who are not returning to secondary school in September and require marks to be urgently sent to OCAS/OUAC must complete the OUAC/OCAS Form found in the Welcome Letter. 

  For More Information : 

Secondary Summer Learning Opportunities

Email : continuing.education@yrdsb.ca

Phone: 905-884-2046 OR 905-884-3434

Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities 

Please check the Google Classroom for ongoing opportunities. 

Library Commons News

Cricut Maker Vibes in the Library Learning Commons

It was a day of cutting and creating! Thank you to all the teachers and students who participated in our first-ever Mother's Day greeting card workshop. 

Students from Señora McWhinnie's Spanish class personalized their Mother's Day cards – en español!

Mr. Z and Mr. Ruberto's classes also joined in on the fun and created some BEARY cute cutouts for Mother's Day!

Please refer to photos sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families. 

Community News

JF & CS Family Services: Groups & Workshops SPRING/SUMMER 2026

Jewish Family and Child Services (JF&CS) is a multi-service agency supporting individuals, children, and families in the Jewish community and beyond through more than 30 programs across the GTA. Groups and workshops are offered In-Person and via Zoom. Registration is required; see individual listings for details. Many of the workshops are free while others offer sliding scale fees for eligible participants. 

FAMILY SERVICES SUPPORT & RESOURCES GROUPS:

Jewish Rainbow Alliance In Partnership With PJCC And VJCC (SRC) - Monthly Group Meetings

Drop-in support groups for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ2S+ individuals. Available at two locations. 

Monthly Sessions - Registration Required

Vaughan JCC (SRC) - May 14, June 11 7 pm - 9 pm 

Miles Nadal JCC - May 20, June 17 7 pm - 9 pm

Roots, Ruach, & Resilience - For Jewish middle and high school students

Connecting youth, their families, and community to help build Jewish pride, togetherness and well-being. This program will touch on mental health, wellness and cultural identity coupled with fun programming including: games and activities, expressive art and community connection. 

4 sessions - Free - In Person

For TDSB: Contact JF&CS Intake to request a group. 

For YRDSB: Contact your school administrator to request a group. 

Supportability Parenting Support Group - For parents and caregivers of children with disabilities

This group is designed to support caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or an intellectual disability, under 18, living at home. 

Ongoing Sessions (every 2nd Tuesday) 1:00 pm - Free - On Zoom

Upcoming Family Services Support & Resources Groups: 

(Dates TBA) 

BECAUSE YOU MATTER

Gain practical tools and skills to recognize, communicate with, and support adults in your community who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Designed for anyone who works with or engages adults (25+), including group and spiritual leaders, educators, social workers, community staff, peer supporters, and others interested in making a meaningful difference. 

Participants will: 

• Recognize, understand, and respond to adults experiencing mental health challenges
• Engage in supportive, non-judgmental conversations and understand the distinction 

      between mental wellness and mental illness

• Build confidence in identifying signs of mental distress and supporting 

  appropriate next steps

• Strengthen knowledge of practical skills and resources to support adult mental health 

Contact Shirley Shedletsky at SShedletsky@jfandcs.com to book a workshop

BECAUSE YOUTH MATTER - For adults who interact and/or work with youth and young adults ages 12-24 years old

Gain practical tools and skills to recognize, communicate with, and support youth (ages 12-24)  in your community who may be experiencing mental health challenges.  Designed for adults who work with or engage youth – such as youth group and spiritual leaders, camp staff, educators, social workers, community agency staff, peer supporters, and anyone committed to supporting young people's well-being. 

Participants will: 

• Engage in supportive, non-judgmental conversations and understand the distinction 

      between mental wellness and mental illness

• Build confidence in recognizing signs of mental distress in young people and supporting 

  appropriate next steps

• Strengthen your knowledge of practical skills and resources to effectively support youth mental health

Contact Shirley Shedletsky at SShedletsky@jfandcs.com to book a workshop

Parenting Workshop - For parents and caregivers of children ages 7 - 12 years old

Learn essential tools to reduce power struggles, foster calm communication and problem-solving, and build confidence in managing challenging behaviours – supporting a more cooperative family environment.

Dates TBA - 6 sessions - Free - On Zoom

Parenting Workshop - For parents and caregivers of children ages 13 - 18 years old

Build skills in parent-teen communication, conflict management, and setting realistic expectations. Explore peer pressure, substance use, dating, sexuality, and the importance of youth mental well-being. 

Dates TBA - 6 sessions - Free - On Zoom

Changing Family Groups & Workshops: 

(Sliding scale fees available for eligible participants)

Looking Ahead - Life After Separation

Navigate life's transitions with support and confidence in this engaging weekly program. Explore ways to cope with change, manage feelings of anger or loss, and address loneliness while building a fulfilling new routine. 

Wednesday, May, 6, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - 6 sessions - On Zoom

Successful Step Parenting 

Designed to reduce isolation for blended families navigating complex dynamics. Participants connect with others, share experiences, and gain practical strategies to strengthen relationships and build realistic expectations for a cohesive family. 

Thursday May 28 - June 18, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - 4 sessions - On Zoom

Mastering Your Separation 

This supportive group explores the challenges of separation, including emotional triggers, self-worth, and self-awareness. Learn practical strategies for emotional regulation, clearer and more constructive communication, and building a grounded sense of self. Gain insight into different perspectives, develop a personalized mindfulness toolkit, and better understand the distinction between legal and emotional separation. 

Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 9:30 am - 2:30 pm

4600 Bathurst St. – Lipa Green Centre

High Conflict Divorce

A workshop for parents seeking strategies to manage high-conflict situations and reduce their impact on children. This workshop is not suitable for individuals in abusive situations. 

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - On Zoom

1 Family 2 Homes - For parents and children ages 5 - 13 years old 

Designed for families navigating separation or divorce. Parents and children participate in separate groups that run at the same time, with children placed in age-appropriate Sessions. 

Dates TBA - 6 sessions 

4600 Bathurst St. – Lipa Green Centre

Family Violence And Relationship Wellness: 

Here To Help

A psychoeducational group for children, teens, and their mothers to begin healing from experiences of domestic violence in a safe and supportive environment. 

Fall 2026 - Free

Grief and Bereavement: 

Therapeutic Bereavement Group : Navigating Grief and Building Resilience

This group is a safe space to share, connect, learn and process your unique grief experience. 

During this group you will: 

1. Apply therapeutic skills to process your loss
2. Be provided with up to date and evidence based information about grief and bereavement
3. Engage in mutual support with others who are grieving 
4. Engage in process oriented discussion

This group is facilitated by experienced social workers. Each participant will be provided with an assessment prior to group admission and guidance regarding best services for them.

June 4, 2026 - 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm - 8 sessions - Free - On Zoom

Rebuilding After Spousal Loss - For men and women who have lost a spouse or partner in the last 5 - 24 months

Participants are offered a safe, supportive space to process grief, gently shift emotional energy toward relationships and meaningful activities, and begin rebuilding. The group provides practical tools and guidance to support moving forward with intention. 

Objectives: 

• Normalize the process of rebuilding while navigating grief
• Create a supportive environment to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
• Foster new meaning and a sense of purpose during rebuilding

Dates TBA - 6 sessions - Free

4600 Bathurst St. – Lipa Green Centre

Still Standing - Honouring Grief, Building Resilience - For youth ages 13-17 and young adults 18-25

A supportive space to feel seen, supported, and understood while processing grief and related emotions. 

Participants will have the opportunity to: 

• Connect with others experiencing similar losses
• Understand how grief shows up in daily life and its many forms
• Practice healthy coping and grounding strategies
• Build self-compassion and resilience

Spring and Summer availability - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm - 4 sessions - Free

2 locations: Prosserman JCC and Vaughan JCC

One Step At A Time

This workshop provides clear, compassionate guidance on the practical matters that often follow the loss of a loved one. The session will be led by Mitchell Ratner, Partner at Schnurr Kirsh Oelbaum Tator LLP, with a focus on wills and estates. 

Date TBA - 1 session - Free 

4600 Bathurst St. – Lipa Green Centre

For more information about groups and workshops at JF & CS, please visit www.jfandcs.com/groups

Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : December 15 to January 2, 2026  regarding the following flyers: 

YRES Camps 2026 

Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : March 9 to March 20, 2026 regarding the following flyers: 

Supporting Your Child's Mental Health from School Mental Health Ontario

Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : April 27 to May 8, 2026 regarding the following flyers: 

The Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations - The Graduates Program 2026

Y2 Legacy A Black-Centred Approach to Leadership, Innovation, and Excellence 2026 Summer Program

Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : May 11 to May 22, 2026 regarding the following flyers: 

Adult Day School